Wayne H. Finley, MD, PhD

Alabama natives Sara Crews and Wayne Finley met while students at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Dr. Wayne Finley received his Ph.D. and M.D. from the University of Alabama; Dr. Sara Finley received her M.D. from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. After studying at the Institute for Medical Genetics in Sweden, the Finleys returned to Birmingham and opened a genetics clinic at a time when discoveries were bursting on the scene. In the early 1960’s, the field of medical genetics was so new there were no trained geneticists to staff a laboratory. They therefore started a training program that helped UAB become known as a national leader in healthcare.

For close to 34 years, UAB’s Laboratory of Medical Genetics has brought unique distinction to UAB for clinical evaluations, genetic counseling, and unparalleled educational opportunities for students. The Finleys’ numerous honors and accolades extend across UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, and the nation. After 33 years of service to UAB and upon their retirement in 1996, President J. Claude Bennett stated that scientists Sara and Wayne Finley “have been, and will always remain, an institutional treasure for UAB.”